How to Noodle Catfish: A Beginner’s Guide to Hillbilly Handfishing
Noodling catfish, also known as “hillbilly handfishing,” is an ancient and exhilarating fishing technique that has been practiced for centuries. This method involves catching catfish with nothing but your bare hands, a true testament to human ingenuity and the excitement of engaging directly with nature. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of noodling, covering everything from how to noodle catfish, finding the perfect location, and the best techniques to use, to the tools and protective gear you need for a safe and successful experience.
What is Noodling Catfish?
Noodling catfish, often referred to as “catfish noodling,” is the practice of catching catfish using only your hands, rather than traditional fishing rods or nets. The process requires the fisherman to submerge their hands into underwater holes where catfish are known to hide, such as crevices in riverbanks or deep pools under submerged logs. The goal is to find and feel the catfish, then use a combination of strength, quick reflexes, and technique to pull them out of their hiding spots.
The practice is particularly popular in the southern United States and has gained a reputation as one of the most daring and adventurous fishing methods. It is also known as “hillbilly handfishing” due to its association with rural communities that have passed down this tradition through generations.
Why Should You Try Noodling Catfish?
Noodling is not only an exciting challenge but also an opportunity to connect with nature in a way that few other fishing methods allow. The thrill of feeling a massive catfish grab onto your arm or hand can be one of the most adrenaline-pumping experiences a fisherman can have. Besides the rush of the hunt, it’s also a rewarding method of fishing that produces tasty results, as catfish are a delicious and sought-after species in many parts of the world.
How to Locate a Good Area for Noodling Catfish
One of the most critical aspects of noodling catfish is choosing the right location. Not all waters are suitable for handfishing, so it’s essential to know where to look for catfish.
1. Deep Holes and Bottom of Rapids
Catfish tend to favor deep water, particularly areas that offer shelter and security. Look for deep holes at the bottom of rapids, where catfish are likely to seek refuge from strong currents. These deep holes provide cover, and catfish can hide in them to avoid predators and strong water flows.
2. Submerged Cover and Natural Hiding Spots
The best places to noodle catfish are spots where the riverbed has plenty of cover. This includes submerged rocks, fallen trees, or logs, and other debris that can provide dark, safe places for catfish to lurk. Catfish, especially larger ones, will often hide inside hollowed logs or other crevices in the riverbank.
When scouting for the perfect noodling location, also keep an eye out for areas with underwater ledges or caves. These structures offer ideal shelter and a place where the catfish can wait for prey to come by.
3. Water Temperature and Flow
Catfish are more likely to seek shelter in certain temperatures. Generally, the best time to noodle catfish is in warmer months when the water temperature rises to around 70 to 80°F (21 to 27°C). Catfish are most active during the spring and early summer, which is also when they tend to move into shallower waters to spawn.
Additionally, river locations with slow-moving or stagnant water are often more productive for noodling. While rapids can be good places to find deep holes, you’ll have better luck in calmer waters where catfish have time to hide and settle in.
How to Noodle a Catfish: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know where to find catfish, let’s walk through the process of noodling catfish safely and effectively. The technique involves several key steps. If you’d prefer, you can also check out our video on noodling catfish: how to noodle catfish that’ll show you all you need to know to give noodling a shot!
1. Prepare Yourself for the Water
Before you enter the water, ensure that you’re wearing the right gear to keep you safe and comfortable. For the actual noodling, you will be submerging your hands and arms into the water, which is often murky and filled with obstacles. Protective gloves and boots are essential to prevent injury from sharp objects, rough rocks, or even other wildlife.
2. Submerge Your Hands into the Hole
Once you’ve located a suitable catfish hole, carefully and slowly submerge your arm into the water. Take your time to feel around with your hand for the catfish. It’s important to move slowly, so as not to startle the fish. The fish may be hiding deep in the hole or in a tight crevice, so keep your arm fully extended into the hole.
3. Feel for the Catfish
Catfish are bottom dwellers, and their bodies are typically smooth and large. You’ll likely feel the fish before you see it. The texture of a catfish can vary depending on its size and species, but they are typically slick and may feel quite large or heavy. Pay attention to the fish’s movements. If you feel a sudden pull or resistance, it’s a good indication that you’ve found a catfish.
4. Grabbing the Catfish
When you feel the catfish, prepare to grab it firmly. The best technique for grabbing a catfish is to hook your fingers into its gill plates or under its jaw, depending on where you can get a solid grip. If you are able to secure a hold, it’s time to pull the catfish out of the hole.
5. Pulling the Fish Out
Pull the catfish out of the hole with a firm but steady motion. Catfish can be incredibly strong and slippery, so be ready for a bit of resistance. When pulling the fish, maintain a firm grip and avoid jerky movements that could cause you to lose your catch.
6. Bringing the Catfish to the Surface
Once the catfish is free from the hole, slowly bring it to the surface. This is where your protective gear, like gloves and boots, comes in handy, as you may be in water that’s difficult to navigate. When you’ve successfully brought the catfish to the surface, have a net ready to help you safely transport it back to shore.
Best Time of Year to Noodle Catfish
The best time to noodle catfish depends on several factors, including water temperature, season, and catfish behavior. Here’s a quick overview:
1. Spring and Early Summer (April to June)
Catfish are most active during the spring and early summer months when the water temperatures are ideal for spawning. During this time, catfish tend to seek out shallow waters and hide in holes, crevices, and under logs. This makes spring and early summer the prime time for noodling.
2. Late Summer and Fall (July to September)
As the water temperature rises during the summer, catfish become more sluggish. However, late summer and fall can still be productive for noodling, particularly in deeper, cooler parts of the river. Catfish are still hiding in their holes but may be more reluctant to bite.
3. Winter (December to February)
Catfish tend to be much less active during the colder winter months. While it’s still possible to noodle catfish in warmer regions, it’s generally not the best time to attempt this method. Instead, try to catch catfish from the bank during winter instead of getting in potentially hazardous, cold water!
Protective Gear and Tools for Noodling Catfish
While noodling is an exciting and adventurous activity, it does come with inherent risks. That’s why it’s important to use the right protective gear and tools to keep yourself safe and improve your chances of success. Here’s a list of essential gear:
1. Gloves
Wearing thick gloves is crucial to protecting your hands and forearms from sharp rocks, rough surfaces, and potential cuts from the catfish’s fins. Catfish have sharp barbs on their dorsal and pectoral fins that can cause injury if you’re not careful.
2. Goggles
Since catfish often hide in murky water, goggles are a great tool to help you see underwater. This will allow you to locate holes and see the catfish more clearly, even in low-visibility environments.
3. Boots
Waterproof boots can protect your legs and feet from underwater obstacles, such as rocks, sharp objects, and potentially dangerous creatures like snakes or snapping turtles.
4. Net
Once you’ve successfully noodled a catfish, having a large net to bring the fish to the surface will make handling and removing the fish from the water much easier. A sturdy net is also helpful for catching the fish if your grip slips or if the fish tries to escape.
5. A Buddy System
It’s always a good idea to noodle with a partner who can assist you in case you run into trouble. Having someone nearby can help you out of tricky situations, such as if you get stuck in a hole or if the catfish proves difficult to catch.
Final Thoughts on Noodling Catfish
Noodling catfish is a thrilling and challenging activity that allows you to connect with nature in a primal way. It requires patience, strength, and quick reflexes, making it a unique and rewarding way to catch fish. With the right technique, gear, and knowledge of how to noodle catfish in a river, you can experience the excitement of catching catfish with your bare hands and enjoy the rewards of this ancient tradition. Whether you’re an experienced fisherman or a complete novice, noodling catfish is an unforgettable adventure worth trying.